The Eagles’ head coaching search went in a 1960s direction Friday when they received permission to speak to Bruce Arians.

Arians technically is offensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts. But the longtime NFL assistant and former Temple U. head coach guided the Colts to an 11-5 record this season in place of Chuck Pagano, who was receiving treatment for leukemia.

Arians, 60, is one year younger than Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie. He also would be a pretty good guy for the Eagles to have in their corner should they become interested in Ben Roethlisberger, who doesn’t sound real happy about the direction the Pittsburgh Steelers are going. Arians was offensive coordinator when Roethlisberger and the Steelers won two Super Bowls.

Arians might be a fallback if unconfirmed reports prove true that the Cleveland Browns are putting the fullcourt press on Oregon coach Chip Kelly, who was at the top of the Philly braintrust’s list.

Advertisement

The Eagles also received permission to interview Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Paul Casey “Gus” Bradley. Bradley is a disciple of renowned defensive guru Monte Kiffin, having worked for him with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bradley, 46, this year turned a Seahawks defense that ranked in the bottom seven of the league just two years ago into an elite unit. The Seahawks led the league this year in allowing just 15.3 points per game. They’re surrendering 306.2 yards, fourth in the league. Bradley also played and coached at North Dakota State.

The Eagles intended to meet with Kelly, whose Ducks defeated Kansas State, 35-17, in the Fiesta Bowl according to reports.

Interviews with Arians and Bradley would have to be delayed if the Colts and the Seahawks advance to the divisional round of the playoffs, per NFL rules. If their teams lose to the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins, respectively, they would be available whenever.